The Washington Commanders were back on the practice fields in Ashburn on Monday morning. It was hot, so the Commanders got an early start. Monday’s practice was different, though, as Day 5 meant the first day Washington was in pads. 

NFL teams are allowed 16 padded practices during training camp, but there is a five-day acclimation period from the start of camp. The Commanders were ready for the pads. At one point during practice, second-year safety Tyler Owens and rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt collided, but they were fine.

Here are some quick takeaways from Day 5:

Veteran rest day

Head coach Dan Quinn likes to give his veterans more rest to help keep them healthy and reduce the wear and tear. Tight end Zach Ertz, entering his 13th NFL season, joked on Sunday that quarterback Jayden Daniels didn’t like to see him receive rest days. Monday was a rest day for Ertz, as well as others. Laremy Tunsil, Von Miller, Marshon Lattimore, and Clelin Ferrell all joined Ertz with a day off.

Deebo Samuel at kickoff returner?

In his press conference before practice, Quinn spoke of using Deebo Samuel as a kickoff returner. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler handled the role last season but dealt with concussions. Luke McCaffrey took over late last season. It’s uncertain how much the Commanders want to use Ekeler in that role. The new kickoff rules favor players like Ekeler and Samuel, who excel at their best work after the catch. It seems doubtful that Washington would use Samuel as a kickoff returner often, but it’s an option to explore this summer.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt continues to shine

the rook is runnin’ pic.twitter.com/NeNcTAqSuZ

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 28, 2025

Some of the Washington beat reporters mentioned Croskey-Merritt as one of the camp’s top standouts. Quinn discussed how it was hard to glean too much from a running back until the pads come on; however, he praised his “violent cuts,” which were on display Monday. Making the team is not really a question. The Commanders loved Croskey-Merritt in the pre-draft process and believe they stole him in the seventh round. He’s going to play this season. Stacking good practices only helps his cause.

Run defense could be legit

Offense has gotten absolutely ZERO push in run game vs D-Line

Good for a group that gave up 3rd most yards before contact

— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) July 28, 2025

This is promising. Washington used its resources to improve its offensive and defensive lines this offseason. The run defense was the Achilles heel last season. Several resources were allocated to the defensive line, as the Commanders sought to add size and strength. It’s early in camp, so you can’t learn too much about the run defense, but this could go a long way toward Washington closing the gap on Philadelphia. What helps here is depth. The Commanders will rotate a lot of bodies up front and these players understand the importance of keeping bodies off their linebackers.

Jayden Daniels’ best practice?

Here’s what Zach Selby of commanders.com said about Daniels on Monday:

We’re not even a week into camp, but Daniels looked sharp on Monday’s practice. It might have been his best practice of camp so far, as he was throwing precise, accurate passes to his weapons. One of the best came during a red zone period, as he connected with Austin Ekeler near the goal line. Ekeler made the catch and stretched the ball over the end zone before jogging out of bounds.

Why does it not surprise you that when the pads came on, Daniels was at his best. This came the day after Daniels threw a dime in the back corner of the end zone for rookie Jaylin Lane, who made a phenomenal catch.

Terry McLaurin signs autographs again

Terry McLaurin at practice today with his agent Buddy Baker pic.twitter.com/twOjTOld7P

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 28, 2025

For the second consecutive day, wide receiver Terry McLaurin came on the field toward the end of practice, had a conversation with his agent, and then went over to the fans and signed autographs. He briefly spoke to the media, telling them that he was taking everything day by day. Adam Schefter reported later on Monday that he believes McLaurin is asking north of $33 million, which is what new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is now making after signing a new contract. However, McLaurin is over two years older than Metcalf. Schefter said the two sides remain far apart. Teammates are happy that McLaurin is at least back in the building.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders training camp: Takeaways from Day 5